Live session · Module 4
Ground Faults & Arc Faults
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Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Module 4: Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Training Module #4 — Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
What are Ground Faults?
An unintended path to ground can damage equipment and harm people who touch energized items.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Terms and Components
EGC carries ground-fault current and bonds metal parts; GEC connects the system to the grounding electrode.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground Faults & Arc Faults
GFP devices have a 'blind spot' below about 1 amp; a second fault can melt insulation and start a fire.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Circuit Breakers or Fuses
A breaker trips before current overheats the wire; tripping on high current can signal a short circuit or ground fault.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Causes of Ground Faults
Common causes: damaged insulation, poor installation, pinched wires, and water.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground fault cause: pinched wires
Pinched wires weaken insulation and allow power leakage.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground fault cause: damaged wire insulation
Exposed conductors can overheat, melt insulation, and cause a fire.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground fault cause: water
Water is a conductor and carries current to grounded parts.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground fault cause: rodents
An exposed conductor touching metal can arc and cause a fire.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground fault cause: improper installation
Cross polarity: positive connected to negative, or negative to positive.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Poor connections at termination points
Wires must be seated correctly in terminals to prevent arcing.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Ground Faults: Series and Parallel
A ground fault is current leaking to ground through a damaged conductor.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
What is an Arc Fault or Flash
An arc can exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit and ignite nearby materials.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Finding and Diagnosing Ground Faults
Measure resistance, continuity, and voltage to find ground faults; this needs training.
Module 4 · Ground Faults & Arc Faults
Thanks and Questions
Thanks! Questions? Email asenia@jazzsolar.com or jon@jazzsolar.com.